Ian Kennedy. Lecturer In Law at King's College, London, in the first of two programmes, examines the treatment of defective new-born babies, notably those with spina biflda, a congenital defect which may lead to mental retardation, partial paralysis and incontinence.
It is argued that most children born with spina bifida would have an awful life even if they received the best of medieal care and that, therefore, it is better for all concerned that they die. Many hospitals practise such selection. Have we, as a society, agreed that doctors have the right to choose, with or without the parents' consent, whether an Infant should live or not?
Producer DAVID PATERSON